Re: Man, this is overwhelming!

Originally Posted by WAINWRIGHT

I will agree that the hobby can be overwhelming at first but establishing things in your suited taste/profile is key.You should try different things and even make notes as many do and reference the Whiskey Tree to familiarize yourself with mash bills and try to build a game plan from there.You also can familiarize yourself with other's tasting notes to recognize what you may and may not like through someone else virtual experiences here.Building a solid foundation is key,from there it is just branching out slowly,bit by bit.Have fun and welcome to this great and quite infinite hobby!

I'll second WAINWRIGHTs comments. I'll also add that it helps to make friends with a good store. My local store will try to bring in my new recommendations and then they look good for having the variety. Enjoy the ride!

Re: Man, this is overwhelming!

jwacky it's not a matter of class, rather it's cost. The whisky is the same quality coming off the still and the ultimate retail price per bottle is determined by how long that barrel was aged, how well it aged, whether it was selected to be part of a small batch or single barrel expression, that sort of thing.

Beam, Barton, Heaven Hill, etc. all put out wide ranges of brands from three years olds (usually in a blend with GNS) to very high end stuff, all of which were the same quality when distilled.

Re: Man, this is overwhelming!

Re: Man, this is overwhelming!

You will be rewarded for you patience. If you have the cash you can buy the top-shelf stuff now and save it for when you're ready, if you have the discipline.

I don't know how many cigars you smoke in one day, but with whiskey you can start from a pour from an average bottle, and then have a pour of the top-shelf to follow up and you'll be able to appreciate it more. When you're ready of course.

Re: Man, this is overwhelming!

I don't have much to add to the great advice already offered, but will reiterate that the point of all of this is to have fun! Kick back and enjoy the ride. Don't get too hung up on the top-shelf bottles because new ones always come along. Even after you've enjoyed the "good stuff," you'll find that several of those lower/mid-shelf bottles you enjoyed before will still be favorites. Also, make it a point to get together with other SB members at local gatherings and at the Bardstown events. They're the most generous bunch you'll ever meet and will gladly let you sample just about anything mentioned here. Again, welcome and enjoy the ride!

-Brian-

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it."
-Agent Kay